SAHMS to lay charges for anti-Indian hate speech
The group's president has condemned the hate speech against minority groups.
IN response to the hate speech voiced at a protest outside the Durban City Hall, the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS) will lay charges with the local SAPS and the South African Human Rights Commission.
The president of SAHMS, Ashwin Trikamjee, said in a statement that he believed the recent looting and riots were an attempted insurrection against the government and went on to note that the police were largely absent during this time and communities had to fend for themselves.
“This led to some unfortunate and tragic consequences, especially with the loss of lives in Phoenix. The criminal acts were despicable. Thugs had taken advantage of the situation that led to community divisions. Without hesitation we condemn in the strongest terms the racial violence in Phoenix and call on SAPS to arrest the perpetrators,” he said.
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During the protest, Jackie Shandu, the convener of Justice for Phoenix Massacre Victims, said, ‘One settler, one bullet. One Indian, one bullet.’ These remarks were repeated by the gathered crowd. The video has since gone viral on social media.
Trikamjee noted the continued hate speech and attacks on minorities needed to be condemned in the strongest terms possible.
“The South African Hindu Maha is laying charges against the perpetrators. SAHMS will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary action as required,” said Trikamjee.
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